Why I Love R.E.I

Yesterday I got my R.E.I dividend check and it reminded me how much I love that store. For those that don’t know Rei  is a sporting goods store with a focus on camping equipment and clothes. What separates Rei from the other stores out there is that it is a co-op and return the majority of profits to their members through annual member refunds based on their purchases. I just got back a $40 check for gear that I bought from there throughout the year. Let me tell you why I love being a member and why you should consider it.

Huge ROI

Let me begin with this is not a paid endorsement for Rei. I just love the place and getting back my dividend check prompted me to finally write this post. The prices at Rei are comparable to other retailers and maybe by scouring sites like Amazon or RV Ops military surplus  or other online gear sites, I could find a cheaper price. By being a member though, which only cost $20 for a lifetime membership, I get a few great benefits. My two favorite benefits are the 10% back on all purchases through your dividend check and the no questions asked return policy for member’s. For buying gear that I was going to buy anyway I get back 10%of that. I also get it locally which I try to do as often as possible.

 

Returns

I recently had to put the no questions asked return policy to the test. I bought a new Inka pen to replace my last one that had gone dry after two years. Well the new on fell out of the holder and was lost after about a week. I figured it must be defective to fall out like that after the first one lasted so long. I went back with what was left which was a metal cylinder. They were like just grab one on the shelf. No hassle at all. Unfortunately that one too was lost so I might get another or try a new product.

Scratch and Dent Sale

The scratch and dent sales are how I learned about the memberships in the first place. All the gear that gets returned is re-sold as-is during the scratch and dent sales. This is actually how I buy most my gear from Rei. I love a good deal and getting stuff at more than half off in some cases is awesome. Last sale I went with the sole goal of getting a pair of Vibram Five Fingers. I went straight to the shoe room and began looking for a pair in good shape that fit. I found several and picked on that was exactly what I was looking for. The price on that pair was $24. They were in perfect shape and have held up great so far. Buying from the sales don’t add towards your dividend and the items can not be returned. I’m fine with that for the price I pay. I’ve found all kinds of great deals on these sales. Be prepared for a long line though, I’ve found that showing up one to one and a half hours early gets you close to the front.

Those are the top three reasons I love to shop at Rei for my outdoor gear. If you live near one I highly suggest checking them out and getting a membership. Spending $20 for the amount of benefits you get, which I hardly covered them all, is a no brainer.

Do you shop at Rei? Are you a member? If not where do you get your gear from? Let me know in the comments!